The Kandiyohi County Historical Society said "hats off" to 96-year-old Velma Swanson of Willmar earlier this month, as local red-hatted ladies unveiled a three-dimensional display fit for an old-fashioned queen of caps.
The Scarlet Rogues gathered Aug. 13 with friends of the Historical Society for cake, coffee and culture in a rededication of the "Velma's Hats" display, complete with a ribbon cutting by Swanson herself.
In 2004, the Historical Society received an impressive donation of her personal chapeaus circa 1940 through the '70s. Swanson's hats have been on display at the museum for the past four years -- but apparently the artistic array lacked a certain sense of "aesthetic."
Red Hatters Judy Heath of New London, Linda Mickelson of Spicer and a few other Kandiyohi County "Scarlet Rogues" had been decorating Christmas trees at the museum for years when they decided that Velma's space could use some serious revamping.
So they rolled up their sleeves, opened their wallets and got to work. Approximately $200 and a bit of elbow grease later, Swanson's tribute to style is now something to tip your hat to.
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According to Mickelson, Swanson has been around Willmar "forever" and she always has an opinion.
"She's just delightful," Mickelson said. "If you want to know how she really feels about something, all you have to do is ask."
So how does the spitfire feel about the fashion of today's youth?
"You can take the whole lot of it and throw it in the trash," Swanson said. "How you dress is how you live, and just look where it's gotten our country!"
According to Alice (Erickson) Cox of Willmar, who was confirmed with Swanson at Lake Lillian's First Lutheran Church in 1927, the guest of honor always was "a classy dresser" and the display represents that sense of style.
"It looks very, very nice," Cox said. "It's much classier, compared to the way the hats looked before, all piled together." Cox is a longtime supporter of the Historical Society, having sponsored the recent construction of a roof over the outdoor engine.
Andria Olson, director of the Kandiyohi County Historical Museum, said she is pleased with the newly designed display and that it really was "time for a change."
"Maybe other organizations around the area will take note of what we've done here, and step up to help support the museum," Mickelson said.
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Olson also indicated that there are still plenty of nooks and crannies available for new historical displays to take shape, as long as they further the museum's mission of discovering, preserving and sharing the history of Kandiyohi County and its people. For more information, call the museum at 320-235-1881.
To grab a glimpse of the latest display of "Velma's Hats," community members are encouraged to drop by the museum during regular business hours. Doors are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Freewill donations are accepted.
